Bishops have expressed their deep gratitude to parishioners, priests and religious across the country for their generosity to Trócaire’s 2019 Lenten campaign which highlighted people’s right to land. Bishops also gratefully acknowledged the public’s support for Trócaire’s Emergency Appeal in response to the devastating impact, during March, of Cyclone Idai in southern Africa which raised €413,000.
In a statement following the conclusion of their Summer General Meeting in Maynooth, bishops said, “The cyclone once again showed how vulnerable people in the poorest parts of the world are to extreme weather conditions. With the support of parishes across Ireland, Trócaire has been able to deliver vital humanitarian aid to over 135,000 people across Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. As well as the initial devastating loss of life, the cyclone destroyed crops and food stocks across the region.”
Bishops were advised that there is a real danger of food shortages over the coming months as people rebuild from the disaster.
They commended Trócaire’s long-term approach which should make a real difference to the lives of people affected by the crisis.
Bishops said, “Trócaire will continue to work to support the people of southern Africa but would be unable to do so without the ongoing and very generous support of the Irish public.”
ENDS
